CHICAGO FACING "UNBEARABLE" TIMES

If you're a Chicago Bears fan, you'd better brace yourself for some tough times in the 2011-12 season (last regular season game is on January 1st).  From all appearances today, it could be an ugly year and one that will be tough for the "hard-core"  Chicago fan to embrace.   Call it what you will, but last season's 11 wins came as much from the easy schedule than how good they were.

Let's talk about the concerns. First off, let's assume the lockout is settled.  We are one week away from the NFL Entry Draft.  The Bears draft 29th in the 1st round and that's part of the problem.   Had the Bears finished with a less successful campaign, they would have earned the right to pick earlier. That might sound ridiculous, but last year's record was not a true reflection of the quality of the roster.  It was an easy schedule.  Let's face it, they need this draft to be a success, flat out.

 Now, the dilemma the team has is, do they stay at 29 or move up or down?  It will be an interesting April 28th night to see if anyone "falls' to them.  I was listening to WSCR Radio this morning where General Manager, Jerry Angelo, discussed  the upcoming draft.  He mentioned if the player they wanted was off the board when it came turn for them to pick, they'd take the "best player available".  He also suggested the Bears would be looking to draft a quarterback sometime in the six selections they have.  Now, I ask you Bear fans, how comfortable are you with that draft strategy?

Angelo has proven to be a less than proficient evaluator of talent.  Over the last five years, the Bears have had 43 draft picks.  Of those, three became Pro Bowlers, 7 starters, 17 are backups, 9 are with other teams and 10 are out of the league.  Far below other NFL teams.  During that same period, the World Champion Green Bay Packers put up these numbers:  47 picks, 2 Pro Bowlers, 11 starters, 20 backups, 13 with other teams and only 3 out of the league.  Knowing that the Bears and Bear fans will be comparing themselves to the Packers there will be little room for error. Clearly, the Bears have needs in many, many areas. 

The Bears offensive line needs to be upgraded immediately 

NFL analysts are all over the board as to who the Bears might take with their first choice, but most feel it should be a lineman.  The question is, an offensive or defensive lineman?  The offensive line performed putrid at the start of the year and got a little better at the end.  Quarterback Jay Cutler was sacked a league-leading 56 times.  Way, way to many.  Offensive line coach Mike Tice performed some sort of miracles in the patchwork line be put together. but a revamping is needed.  They need at least one and perhaps two starters to emerge through the draft, free agency or from the developmental roster.  A mauler like OL Gabe Carimi from Wisconsin would be a huge get.  Defensively, DE Julius Peppers brought a much needed pass rush to Chicago, but he needs support too, perhaps a defensive tackle that could control the line of scrimmage.  Best guess here is a free agent....someone that plugs the hole, but doesn't provide an answer long-term.    

There are other position issues namely at wide receiver, linebacker, safety and running back.  Critics have been all over the Bear receivers and their lack of a true number one receiver. While I'm in agreement with that assertion, a line capable of giving Cutler some time to throw the ball would make a big difference.  Maybe, wide receiver is not the concern many think it is.  Or, they could delay in addressing the receiver position for one more year. 

The linebackers are beginning to show their age.  Pro Bowlers Brian Urlacher and Lance Briggs have given yeoman effort, but they are the only two linebackers listed on the roster.  The Bears need to add a quality pass rushing LB to the unit and develop some backups that can contribute immediately.  Then there's the back end of any great defense, a tough, hard-nose safety.  Can you recall the last time the Bears had an All-Pro at that position?   Maybe the name Mike Brown rings a bell.  The year was 2005.  Chicago has been looking for someone to lead the defensive back group since Brown's release in 2007.  If you look at the strength of most NFL champions, there is always a big hitter at the back end.  While Chris Harris has provided some strength at the position, more help is needed .

 And running back.  While many Chicago fans proclaim Matt Forte's success in the running game, there is  little help available as a third down back or a backup.  The Bears have relied upon Forte for a big share of their offense since he came into the league 3 years ago. Chicago needs to find a late round running back capable of giving the defense a different look rather than Forte, Forte, Forte.  Should Forte be injured......well.  The NFL game has shown recently the NEED for two good backs.  And then Angelo suggests a quarterback.  So, not only do the Bears need replacements, they need quality replacements.

 And that's why things will be unbearable.  Chicago might find some help in the draft and free agency, but there is clearly a need of 6-7 positions that need to be addressed right now.  And due to the NFL lockout, the ability to add some free agent talent and fill in with the draft is not possible.  It will have to done the other way around, if at all.....and I have my reservations.

Now that we've addressed the talent aspect of the season, let's move onto the brutal schedule handed to Chicago this week.  Take a look:

Week One:  Sunday, September 11-Falcons
Week Two: Sunday September 18 - @ New Orleans

Week Three: Sunday September 25 - Packers

Week Four: Sunday October 2 - Panthers

Week Five: Monday October 10 - @ Detroit

Week Six: Sunday October 16 - Vikings (primetime)

Week Seven: Sunday October 23 -  @ Tampa Bay (in London, England)

Week Eight: Sunday October 30 - BYE

Week Nine: Monday November 7 - @ Philadelphia

Week Ten: Sunday November 13 - Lions

Week Eleven: Sunday November 20 - Chargers

Week Twelve: Sunday November 27 - @ Raiders

Week Thirteen: Sunday December 4 - Chiefs

Week Fourteen: Sunday December 11 - @ Broncos

Week Fifteen: Sunday December 18 - Seahawks

Week Sixteen: Sunday December 25 - at Green Bay (primetime)

Week Seventeen: Sunday January 1 - at Minnesota

How many wins you see there, Bear fans?  Last year, Chicago beat Detroit and Minnesota twice.  That's not going to happen again this year.  The Lions will probably finish ahead of the Bears in the division race.  Detroit is a fast improving team that simply needs to know "how to win" and Minnesota is always a pain in the Bear's behind.  Chicago won 5 games in the division last year, this year they'll be fortunate to win 3.  In looking at the remainder of the schedule, I can see 4 more wins, realistically.  So, that would equate to a 7-9 season.

That sound unbearable enough?  Because if it's not, I'll remind you that Lovie Smith is the head coach.  He with the new extension through 2013.  All of this could be BAD NEWS BEARS.....but let's hope not.

Thanks for reading,